Road to the Emmys: Dark Horse Contenders

Lead Actress in a Drama

Best Comedy Series

Lead Actor in a Drama

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Lead Actress in a Comedy

Supporting Actor in a Miniseries

Lead Actor in a Comedy

Lead Actress in a Drama

Best Comedy Series

Lead Actor in a Drama

Supporting Actress in a Comedy

Lead Actress in a Comedy

Supporting Actor in a Miniseries

Lead Actor in a Comedy

Lead Actress in a Drama

Lizzy Caplan - "Masters of Sex" (Showtime)
Making the transition from comedy to drama is a feat unto itself; playing a historical figure only adds to
the pressure. Yet
Lizzy Caplan embodies the role of Virginia Johnson brimming
with confidence, as well as a sense of brazen exuberance. She more than holds her own with Michael Sheen — and every so often, lets her vulnerability peek through. Now that's what I call a master class in acting. - Debra Birnbaum

"The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)
When is a billion-dollar mega-hit an "underdog?" In the case of "The Big Bang Theory," only at the Emmys. Yet the CBS sitcom has only gotten better through the years, and conspicuously becomes the last multi-camera sitcom standing in a field dominated by "Modern Family" in recent years and that has expanded to accommodate "Orange Is the New Black." Besides, it would be fun to read producer Chuck Lorre's vanity cards once he thinks you like him, you really like him. - Brian Lowry

Jon Hamm - "Mad Men" (AMC)
It's a sad fact of life: We often take wonderful things for granted. For example, Jon Hamm in "Mad Men." Since the show won four consecutive drama series Emmys, some may assume Hamm also won. He hasn't, ever. And over the years, his Don Draper has become more horrifying, sympathetic and fascinating, all at the same time. Many pundits see this category as a showdown between Bryan Cranston and Matthew McConaughey: "Breaking Bad" ended its run on a high (so to speak) and "True Detective" stirred up endless buzz as TV's new kid. But let's not overlook what's right in front of us and that is Hamm's work — richer and more complex than ever. - Tim Gray

Mayim Bialik - "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)
As Amy Farrah Fowler, Mayim Bialik delivered some of her best work last season on "The Big Bang Theory." Bialik endlessly brings a refreshing dynamic to the table as the devoted yet frustrated girlfriend to Jim Parson's Sheldon Cooper, with performances that highlight the heart and quick wit of her well-loved role. - Shelli Weinstein

Amy Poehler - "Parks and Recreation" (NBC)
For six seasons, Amy Poehler has made small-town politics hilarious. For that alone, the 12-time nominee finally deserves an Emmy Award. That Leslie Knope is endlessly endearing despite being overbearing, stubborn and by-the-book is a testament to Poehler, a comedienne whose physical comedy is matched only by her verbal timing. - Jenelle Riley

Martin Freeman - "Fargo" (FX)
Billy Bob Thornton might be getting the most "Fargo" love but it's Martin Freeman who exhibits the most dramatic transformation as insurance man Lester Nygaard. The Brit actor's Midwest accent is spot on as we see him grow from henpecked, flinching victim to calculating, Nietzschean superman. It's the most nuanced performance of the year. - Steve Chagollan

William H. Macy - "Shameless" (Showtime)
There is no reason
to root for a deadbeat dad who reconnects with a daughter just to score a liver, but William H. Macy makes us want "Shameless" patriarch Frank Gallagher to survive. We laugh with him when he outsmarts his enemies and at him when he wakes from his hospital bed short a kidney but with a new wife (Joan Cusack). - Whitney Friedlander

Lizzy Caplan - "Masters of Sex" (Showtime)
Making the transition from comedy to drama is a feat unto itself; playing a historical figure only adds to
the pressure. Yet
Lizzy Caplan embodies the role of Virginia Johnson brimming
with confidence, as well as a sense of brazen exuberance. She more than holds her own with Michael Sheen — and every so often, lets her vulnerability peek through. Now that's what I call a master class in acting. - Debra Birnbaum

"The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)
When is a billion-dollar mega-hit an "underdog?" In the case of "The Big Bang Theory," only at the Emmys. Yet the CBS sitcom has only gotten better through the years, and conspicuously becomes the last multi-camera sitcom standing in a field dominated by "Modern Family" in recent years and that has expanded to accommodate "Orange Is the New Black." Besides, it would be fun to read producer Chuck Lorre's vanity cards once he thinks you like him, you really like him. - Brian Lowry

Jon Hamm - "Mad Men" (AMC)
It's a sad fact of life: We often take wonderful things for granted. For example, Jon Hamm in "Mad Men." Since the show won four consecutive drama series Emmys, some may assume Hamm also won. He hasn't, ever. And over the years, his Don Draper has become more horrifying, sympathetic and fascinating, all at the same time. Many pundits see this category as a showdown between Bryan Cranston and Matthew McConaughey: "Breaking Bad" ended its run on a high (so to speak) and "True Detective" stirred up endless buzz as TV's new kid. But let's not overlook what's right in front of us and that is Hamm's work — richer and more complex than ever. - Tim Gray

Mayim Bialik - "The Big Bang Theory" (CBS)
As Amy Farrah Fowler, Mayim Bialik delivered some of her best work last season on "The Big Bang Theory." Bialik endlessly brings a refreshing dynamic to the table as the devoted yet frustrated girlfriend to Jim Parson's Sheldon Cooper, with performances that highlight the heart and quick wit of her well-loved role. - Shelli Weinstein

Amy Poehler - "Parks and Recreation" (NBC)
For six seasons, Amy Poehler has made small-town politics hilarious. For that alone, the 12-time nominee finally deserves an Emmy Award. That Leslie Knope is endlessly endearing despite being overbearing, stubborn and by-the-book is a testament to Poehler, a comedienne whose physical comedy is matched only by her verbal timing. - Jenelle Riley

Martin Freeman - "Fargo" (FX)
Billy Bob Thornton might be getting the most "Fargo" love but it's Martin Freeman who exhibits the most dramatic transformation as insurance man Lester Nygaard. The Brit actor's Midwest accent is spot on as we see him grow from henpecked, flinching victim to calculating, Nietzschean superman. It's the most nuanced performance of the year. - Steve Chagollan

William H. Macy - "Shameless" (Showtime)
There is no reason
to root for a deadbeat dad who reconnects with a daughter just to score a liver, but William H. Macy makes us want "Shameless" patriarch Frank Gallagher to survive. We laugh with him when he outsmarts his enemies and at him when he wakes from his hospital bed short a kidney but with a new wife (Joan Cusack). - Whitney Friedlander

Lizzy Caplan - "Masters of Sex" (Showtime)
Making the transition from comedy to drama is a feat unto itself; playing a historical figure only adds to
the pressure. Yet
Lizzy Caplan embodies the role of Virginia Johnson brimming
with confidence, as well as a sense of brazen exuberance. She more than holds her own with Michael Sheen — and every so often, lets her vulnerability peek through. Now that's what I call a master class in acting. - Debra Birnbaum